2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 6

[Dalek]

Makes sense why Masai went to scout Queen 3 times (that we know of)

I think more and more he should be in the convo for top 5. i don't think he will be there at 7/8. Hoping he can get in even better shape just like Banchero did after finishing at Duke

But the skillset is all there and I think having a big that can quarterback plays will be nice for Darko

Queen has already lost 23 lbs since joining Maryland:

Queen has also been coordinating with a full-time nutritionist to reduce an inclination for fried foods, snacks and sugary drinks. He also uses an app that records his food purchases and then sends them to Tarp so that they can review them and opt for better choices.

Avoiding fried foods hasn’t been a problem for Queen, and he's also kicked his fondness for honey buns — though he will indulge in an occasional Reese’s peanut butter cup. Giving up his aunt’s beloved half-and-half (iced tea and lemonade) was more difficult, but he gave the gallon she gave him over Thanksgiving to his teammates.

The discipline has paid off. Queen said he can run for longer durations during practice and that he is jumping higher than ever.

https://melekher.com/2025/01/05/derik-queen-weight-loss-maryland-mens-basketball/

My biggest worry with DQ is Dairy Queen, but he seems to be pretty serious about getting healthy. In the NBA, you obviously are much more free to make life choices (outside of Miami), so it will be interesting to see how Queen manages this.

[Clutch0z24]

Tough to make these kinds of determinations before workouts as there's gonna be some draft risers. When measurements come out and guys have the open gym shooting, i wouldnt be surprised to see guys like Carter Bryant or Noa shoot up the draft boards

I could see them players jump up to the 10-13 range....Top 7/8 i don't see it....Too high.....Draft is too deep with talent imo for them 2 guys to jump up into the top parts of the draft...Lottery cool...But players like Queen/Tre Johnson/Fears Have too much upside and talent to fall in the draft....If they do if im Masai im happy as could be....Because the more players fall to us the better...But the talent is just too much to pass up imo with some of the guys slotted in the top parts of this draft.

Noa and Bryant i see going anywhere 10-17th area of this draft.

I can easily see Bryant impressing in the shooting workouts, and, with his athleticism/height/length, catching a team like Philly's eye. Not that long ago we saw Bilal Coulialby rise from being mocked mid teens to being drafted top 7. Workouts, measurements and interviews can determine a lot

Yeah but we are talking about different draft classes here....The 2023 draft class was really weak outside of Wemby/Miller...It was very role player heavy with minimal star potential....Bilal jumped up in a weak draft i think thats the difference here.....This draft is Lotto strong and the top parts of this draft is stacked in terms of players with star potential....Im not saying its impossible....But for me i see the top parts of this draft being solidified...Too much talent to pass up on if they do though better for us anyways...Would love players like Tre/Queen/Fears to fall to us.

[WuTang_CMB]

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[NotMyKawhi]

Looking more and more likely we trade the pick

We need a superstar and lots might be available

[CoinTossRoss31]

Is Queen locking himself into the 5th draft spot kind of like how Barnes did in 2021?

[WuTang_CMB]

Looking more and more likely we trade the pick

We need a superstar and lots might be available

Scottie, RJ, 7th for Giannis and Pat C

[Tripod]

If Philly drafts before us, they are picking Queen.

Can play C when Embiid sits and can play WITH Embiid because Embiid can stretch the floor.

And they already have their guards in Maxey and McCain.

[Dalek]

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Every year I watch the Barlowes' I feel pretty aligned with them. Their little anecdote about CMB cooking Newell in a one-on-one was interesting. CMB will be a riser in workouts.

Noa Essengue is also interesting to see in mid lottery for them. He is a mystery box player being so young, but they mention productivity and he does seem impactful.

Their discussion on KM is where I am at. He is a freak size-wise, but a rim running big can be had later in the draft. Mitchell Robinson types are easy enough to find late.

[Thaddy]

If Philly drafts before us, they are picking Queen.

Can play C when Embiid sits and can play WITH Embiid because Embiid can stretch the floor.

And they already have their guards in Maxey and McCain.

At the 4 I would have concerns about Queen's lateral quickness against smaller and explosive 4s. That tweener characteristic about him is a little scary, then he also doesn't have a great stretch ability (probably 30% from 3pt range in his rookie year?).

[Spates]

Milos Uzan would be quite the nice pickup with a late first early second

[DreamTeam09]

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Every year I watch the Barlowes' I feel pretty aligned with them. Their little anecdote about CMB cooking Newell in a one-on-one was interesting. CMB will be a riser in workouts.

Noa Essengue is also interesting to see in mid lottery for them. He is a mystery box player being so young, but they mention productivity and he does seem impactful.

Their discussion on KM is where I am at. He is a freak size-wise, but a rim running big can be had later in the draft. Mitchell Robinson types are easy enough to find late.

Ppl keep saying that, but just labelling KM as a rim running big is doing a disservice to him and us. Furthermore, who's the rim running big we can get at 39 that'll be more than serviceable?
The ivicis brothers won't cut it, the aussie big won't cut it either

The first one of these one box fits all quotes is "if you like a player take him, worry about the rest later"
Then in a next breath ppl will say "you can get those archetypes later on in the draft"

Both those statements for against eachother.
I'm not sure who's the starter with star level potential at 7 y'all envision, cuz I don't see it. The guards in that range aren't clear cut better than the guards we drafted over the last two years and the PG we traded for

[Indeed]

If Philly drafts before us, they are picking Queen.

Can play C when Embiid sits and can play WITH Embiid because Embiid can stretch the floor.

And they already have their guards in Maxey and McCain.

At the 4 I would have concerns about Queen's lateral quickness against smaller and explosive 4s. That tweener characteristic about him is a little scary, then he also doesn't have a great stretch ability (probably 30% from 3pt range in his rookie year?).

The hope is Queen loose some weight to gain some mobility. There are not many PF who has a handle to drive and able to shoot the ball. Against someone like Tatum, we will play Queen at C against Horford / Porzingis.

[Dalek]

Watch on YouTube

Every year I watch the Barlowes' I feel pretty aligned with them. Their little anecdote about CMB cooking Newell in a one-on-one was interesting. CMB will be a riser in workouts.

Noa Essengue is also interesting to see in mid lottery for them. He is a mystery box player being so young, but they mention productivity and he does seem impactful.

Their discussion on KM is where I am at. He is a freak size-wise, but a rim running big can be had later in the draft. Mitchell Robinson types are easy enough to find late.

Ppl keep saying that, but just labelling KM as a rim running big is doing a disservice to him and us. Furthermore, who's the rim running big we can get at 39 that'll be more than serviceable?
The ivicis brothers won't cut it, the aussie big won't cut it either

The first one of these one box fits all quotes is "if you like a player take him, worry about the rest later"
Then in a next breath ppl will say "you can get those archetypes later on in the draft"

Both those statements for against eachother.
I'm not sure who's the starter with star level potential at 7 y'all envision, cuz I don't see it. The guards in that range aren't clear cut better than the guards we drafted over the last two years and the PG we traded for

I think you might be boxing yourself to "drafting a 7 foot with starter potential," too much. Why do we have to get that type of player in this draft and why do we burn a high pick on a less than certain outcome?

It's guaranteed that one of the mock draft guys like Joan Beringer or Thomas Sorber or Alex Condon or fall to the second round. These guys all have pretty impressive upside. Maybe not KM's 7'2 size, but they bring a lot of good feel for the game and switchability which KM lacks.

Then you have Ryan Kalkbrenner and Vlad Goldin who can play NBA minutes now and might have more outside shooting potential.

Straight rim runners to watch out for on 2 way deals:
Oumar Ballo Indiana (good defender, better rebounder and can pass a bit)
Moussa Cisse, Memphis (much higher blk% than Maluach but terrible freethrow shooter)
Felix Okpara, Tennessee (monster defender, very limited offense)

I personally prefer just drafting a stretch big with the second pick to help with spacing on the second unit. Ideally, Markovic or Maxime Raynaud.

[Yeezus_]

I predict the Mavs win #1 pick.

With their 1.8% odds, if they win, it will just be more evidence that the lottery is rigged.

League cannot reward them for their own **** up. Ill be so pissed if they do.

Lol what kind of logic is this? How does that prove the lottery is rigged? A 1.8% chance is still possible but unlikely. It doesn’t make it impossible…

[Brinbe]

Watch on YouTube

Every year I watch the Barlowes' I feel pretty aligned with them. Their little anecdote about CMB cooking Newell in a one-on-one was interesting. CMB will be a riser in workouts.

Noa Essengue is also interesting to see in mid lottery for them. He is a mystery box player being so young, but they mention productivity and he does seem impactful.

Their discussion on KM is where I am at. He is a freak size-wise, but a rim running big can be had later in the draft. Mitchell Robinson types are easy enough to find late.

Ppl keep saying that, but just labelling KM as a rim running big is doing a disservice to him and us. Furthermore, who's the rim running big we can get at 39 that'll be more than serviceable?
The ivicis brothers won't cut it, the aussie big won't cut it either

The first one of these one box fits all quotes is "if you like a player take him, worry about the rest later"
Then in a next breath ppl will say "you can get those archetypes later on in the draft"

Both those statements for against eachother.
I'm not sure who's the starter with star level potential at 7 y'all envision, cuz I don't see it. The guards in that range aren't clear cut better than the guards we drafted over the last two years and the PG we traded for

folks just want to feel vindicated about uncovering THE diamond in the rough that every other professional scout just overlooked. it's like when people were jumping up and down about carl english or any 2nd round/UFDA fodder.

and describing maluach as just a rim runner erases his defensive potential and all his other traits which is reason why he's being touted so high.

[arbsn]

Looking more and more likely we trade the pick

We need a superstar and lots might be available

Scottie, RJ, 7th for Giannis and Pat C

Of course you have to do that trade for TO... but why would Giannis want to play for a non-competitive TO roster

[Jcity08]

I predict the Mavs win #1 pick.

With their 1.8% odds, if they win, it will just be more evidence that the lottery is rigged.

League cannot reward them for their own **** up. Ill be so pissed if they do.

Lol what kind of logic is this? How does that prove the lottery is rigged? A 1.8% chance is still possible but unlikely. It doesn’t make it impossible…

The rigged part is explained in my 2nd sentence, the odds that the Mavs get first overall pick in the same season they traded their generation player to the Lakers is tooooooooooo much of a coincidence for my liking. The odds a team can rebound like that is astronomically low especially with odds as abysmal as that.

Believe what you want, but for me thats too much to swallow.

[WuTang_CMB]

Watch on YouTube

Every year I watch the Barlowes' I feel pretty aligned with them. Their little anecdote about CMB cooking Newell in a one-on-one was interesting. CMB will be a riser in workouts.

Noa Essengue is also interesting to see in mid lottery for them. He is a mystery box player being so young, but they mention productivity and he does seem impactful.

Their discussion on KM is where I am at. He is a freak size-wise, but a rim running big can be had later in the draft. Mitchell Robinson types are easy enough to find late.

smoked broome too

[WuTang_CMB]

Looking more and more likely we trade the pick

We need a superstar and lots might be available

Scottie, RJ, 7th for Giannis and Pat C

Of course you have to do that trade for TO... but why would Giannis want to play for a non-competitive TO roster

all contingent on him obviously and where he wants to go but toronto will submit their package anyways

[WuTang_CMB]

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